I Love Benoni Because …

Updated Saturday, 6 May 2017

Hi, I’m Michelle Smith from Benoni on Gauteng’s East Rand.

BENONI IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the City of Lakes.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Ebotse Golf and Country Estate, which is a picturesque golf estate around the Rynfield Lake. The estate makes the most of its natural environment and includes boating, fishing, cycling, jogging and walking trails.

Benoni

THE BEST nature PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN in the fields at Bullfrog Pan when the cosmos flowers are in full bloom. The pan is a wonderful spot to escape city life and it boasts over 150 species of bird including the African purple swamp hen, marsh owl and in winter flocks of spur-winged geese. Flamingos are often seen in the open water during the colder months.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO be swimming or cycling. Our summer months are clear and warm (except of course for the afternoon showers) so it’s great to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO play cards in front of a fire.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS October or April, BECAUSE the change in the seasons is very contrasting. I love the autumnal shades of the trees in April.

Benoni

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Shades of Green. Located in the suburb of Cloverdene, the beautiful surroundings make an occasion out of breakfast or dinner.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Il Gusto. This is the place to be for delicious, authentic Italian and Mediterranean food. Il Gusto means ‘the taste’ and they live up to their name! The mood is laid back and the ambiance upbeat. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Fahrenheit Seafood and Grill, TRY THE beef. Meals are served in the garden lapa or dining area and the restaurant offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM News Café – their toasted sandwiches are simply delicious.

Benoni

MY FAVOURITE browsing SPOT IS Uncle Tim’s Cabin where you can sample great food and spend time in their unusual shops.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Emperors Palace. Apart from luxurious hotel accommodation, Emperors Palace offers a health and beauty spa, a casino, fine dining options and spectacular entertainment.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO The Terrace Restaurant and Bar in Rynfield. The local hangout is always bustling – during summer the large windows are open to let in the sunshine and during winter log fires keep punters warm! Fresh flowers and uncluttered décor complete the scene.

Benoni’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS that this is where Charlize Theron was born and grew up.

Benoni

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS hang out.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO High Flyers at the Birchwood Hotel.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO lie on the grass and stare out at our awesome universe.

IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY horse riding at Capricorn Riding School down the road from us.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS heading out to the Kruger National Park via Sabi and Pilgrims Rest. The old gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga is so interesting and gives one a glimpse to how things were done years ago.

Benoni

MY FAVOURITE antique SHOP IS any antique shop – you just never know what treasure you will find.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS in the veldt. We are lucky enough to have Bullfrog Pan nearby and are spoilt for choice there.

IF YOU’RE HERE IN November, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Donkey Derby Round Table event.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the old First National Bank in down town Benoni, FOR ITS beautiful structure.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Carnival City. Apart from movies there is also Magic Company and Kidzone.

Benoni

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS Lunar Plaza.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS is a wave of Red Bishops flying through the air when in their mating season. A magical sight against the blue sky.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS to the Mpumalanga Region.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I teach mosaics at the Samaritan House giving the residents a skill and in turn a way to earn money.